A Question That Sparked the Debate

The scene unfolded in the press room at the Vélodrome, ahead of the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Marseille. Arne Slot was asked a loaded question sees if Xabi Alonso, current coach of Bayer Leverkusen and a recurring name in rumors, had contacted him as a possible successor.

The Dutch manager answered with irony.

“He called me and said he would take over the team in six months… or maybe even sooner,” Slot joked, smiling.

The remark spread quickly, but inside the Liverpool dressing room, not everyone found it amusing.

Van Dijk Doesn’t Stay Silent

After Liverpool’s emphatic 3-0 win in Marseille, Virgil van Dijk decided to step in. According to the BBC, the Reds’ captain spoke directly to the journalist responsible for the question and was blunt:

“That question was disrespectful.”

The Dutch center-back stood firmly behind his manager and made it clear that the focus should be on the team’s work, not outside speculation.

“Criticism is fair if you look at our season, especially compared to last year. It’s been a difficult period for the players and for the manager, but he has handled it well,” Van Dijk explained.

A Special Night in Marseille

Beyond the controversy, the night carried special significance for Van Dijk. The defender reached 350 official appearances with Liverpool, a milestone he celebrated with both a victory and a clean sheet.

“My 350th game, we won and didn’t concede. I’m proud. It was one of our most complete performances of the season,” said the captain.

Since the 4-1 defeat against PSV in the Champions League, Liverpool have not lost again. Thirteen matches unbeaten, growing defensive solidity, and a clear message from within: at Anfield, jokes have limits… and the dressing room stands united.

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